As I wait for my brews to ferment, we will come to a slow period for the summer. All my vessels are full; I can get you more up to date on my latest experiences.

Two of the free publications I get from my local brewery is the Brewing News and Michigan Beer Guide pictured above. EagleMonk Pub and Brewery gives recent issues away for free. You can get information about the breweries and brew pubs in Michigan and the surrounding area. EagleMonk has some great homemade pizza and their fresh veggie plate that comes with hummus is a keeper. I find his signature beer to be the best: Red Eye Rye is the best beer that goes with the pizza.

Below is a list of some of my favorite experiences in beer drinking. My wife and I have experienced these over time from vacations or trying the latest brew from Big 10 Party store in the area.

Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, is out of state in Akron OHCerberus - Belgian Style Trippel Ale named for the 3 headed hound that stood in Hades. Twisted Kilt Scottish Export Ale looks like it might be an interesting one to try. I like scottish ales.

Bell's Brewery, Inc., is our state's largest brewer.My favorite is their Octoberfest Beer which beats overly hoppy Samuel Adams version. Their Special Double Cream is good too. Christmas Ale is very good and you've got to grab a six-pack at Christmas time at the grocery store - it has limited quantities. I need to try their Third Coast Old Ale, Kalamazoo Stout and Amber Ale.

Founder's BrewingMy wife and I had great food and beer at their bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dirty Bastard, a scotch ale, is my wife's favorite and I like it as well. Another one of my likes is Founder's Porter. My all time favorite from them is Curmudgeon Old Ale.

Short's Brewing CompanyThey have a great beer locator on their website. My local party store seems to carry only their most popular beers and doesn't vary it too much. There are more stores in the area than I realized. I loved their Strawberry Short's Cake and can't find it as much now. They have so much variety I can't seem to find my other favorites.

Arcadia Brewing CompanyAt the time I was checking, their website was having trouble. My favorite scotch ale is produced by them:Loch Down. When I am doing a mix-and-match 6-pack I usually get this as one of my usual beers to take home along with 2 new beers to try.

Odd Side AlesA place of extreme beers that I love. Here in Grand Haven, Michigan, I found out I'm in love with spicy flavors in beer.Not spicy is their flavorful Watermelon Wheat. One of their most easy to access in our local stores is Citra Pale Ale. This is not an IPA but has tons of fruit and pine flavor. This is the beer that made me fall in love with hot and spicy: Firefly is papaya and habaneros - combination of spicy and sweet at the same time.

Wolverine State Brewing CompanyI had a chance to try Wolverine Dark Lager in the Ann Arbor area when I was out with my in-laws. With only 19 IBU, I agree that their Dark Lager is Michigan's smoothest dark beer with mild maltiness. It is well balanced.